
Have you ever given your toddler a wide range of foods for supper? You give them some vegetables, some fish, and then imagine you gave them some chocolate and some macaroni and cheese and a hot dog. Now, what do you think that toddler is going to eat first? Their favorite foods. They’ll go for the chocolate, macaroni, and hot dog, and once they’re full, they won’t be interested in the rest. Interestingly, cows are the same way when grazing.
If a cow has a huge field, it will eat its favorite greens first, clearing out those areas and leaving behind the plants it doesn’t like as much. Over time, this can lead to an overabundance of weeds or less desirable plants, as the cows continually graze down their preferred greens before they have a chance to fully regrow. This behavior affects the quality and sustainability of the pasture, as the tastiest and most nutritious plants struggle to compete with weeds and grow back fully.
To manage this, many farmers practice rotational grazing, dividing the field into smaller paddocks and moving cows from one to the next in a controlled manner. Just like encouraging a toddler to eat a balanced meal before having dessert, rotational grazing guides the cows to graze more evenly across a paddock. When cows are restricted to a smaller area, they’ll consume all available greens, not just their favorites, which helps prevent selective overgrazing.
Once they’ve eaten through the area, they’re moved to the next paddock, allowing the first section to recover. By the time the cows circle back, the greens they love have had time to regenerate. This method helps maintain healthy pastures, reduces weed growth, and provides the cows with fresh and nutritious food at each rotation.
Rotational grazing benefits not only the cows but also the entire farm ecosystem, supporting soil health, plant diversity, and long-term sustainability. It’s like feeding our toddlers a balanced diet for their well-being—both are small but impactful choices that encourage healthier habits and growth.